Billy Taylor released by Hampshire

Hampshire have announced that fast bowler Billy Taylor will be released at the end of the season.

Taylor, 32, started his career at Sussex in 1999 before moving to Hampshire in 2004. He was awarded his county cap in 2006 but in recent seasons he had become a one-day specialist, with only one Championship appearance since 2006.

I'd like to thank Billy for his contribution to our club," Rod Bransgrove, Hampshire's chairman, said. "Billy has been a real crowd favourite and I know he will be missed by many. However, together with Giles White, we have decided that our bowling focus lies elsewhere and we have agreed with Billy that now is the right time to part ways."

"I'd really like to thank the fans, who have all been so supportive of me and I will miss them singing my name and giving me such a warm welcome on and off the field, it truly has meant so much to me, Taylor said. "I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Club and will take away some great memories. I plan to stay involved in cricket and hope to be a regular visitor to The Rose Bowl in years to come."

In 54 first-class matches Taylor took 136 wickets at 33.34, his career-best 6 for 32 coming against Middlesex in the first match of the 2006 season. He also played 142 one-day games where he took 182 wickets at 25.81.